Global Payroll Director

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hays is partnering to recruit a Global Payroll Director for a globally recognised organisation. You will lead the global payroll function, overseeing complex operations across regions and ensuring best-in-class service, compliance, and governance.

You will shape and deliver the global payroll strategy, drive automation and AI initiatives, build international teams and report to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-10 years of global payroll experience.
• Experience leading payroll across multiple countries.
• Experience with automation and AI in payroll.
• Strong governance and compliance knowledge.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and shape the global payroll function across regions.
• Oversee complex payroll operations ensuring service delivery and compliance.
• Develop and deliver the global payroll strategy with senior stakeholders.
• Champion automation, digital transformation, and AI initiatives to improve efficiency and employee experience.

Skills

Global payroll leadership

Stakeholder management

Automation

AI initiatives

Governance compliance

Job description

Your new company Hays are excited to be exclusively supporting a globally recognised organisation in the search for a strategic and forward-thinking Global Payroll Director.

This is a unique opportunity to join a business undergoing significant growth and transformation, with payroll positioned as a critical function within the wider people and business strategy.

The organisation is investing heavily in technology, automation, and AI-driven solutions, creating an exciting environment for an experienced payroll leader who is passionate about driving innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement on a global scale.

Your new role As Global Payroll Director, you will lead and shape the global payroll function, overseeing complex payroll operations across multiple regions while ensuring best-in-class service delivery, compliance, and governance.

Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will develop and deliver the global payroll strategy, championing transformational initiatives that enhance efficiency, improve controls, and leverage AI and emerging technologies to modernise payroll operations.

What you'll need to succeed Leading the global payroll strategy across multiple countries and regions.

Acting as the senior expert for global payroll compliance, legislation, and best practice.

Driving automation, digital transformation, and AI initiatives to improve payroll efficiency and employee experience.

Identifying opportunities to streamline processes, enhance controls, and deliver operational excellence.

Building strong relationships with executive stakeholders, payroll vendors, and external partners.

Leading, developing, and inspiring international payroll teams.

Delivering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and accountability.

Providing strategic insight, governance, and reporting to senior leadership.

Essential: Minimum 5-10 years of global payroll experience